The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. Weak faceted snow exist at the base of the snowpack on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. This buried layer is a persistent weakness that could be a bed surface for human triggered avalanches. At the upper elevations new snow and west to northwest winds are creating isolated pockets of new wind slab and increasing the load on existing persistent slabs. Human triggered slab avalanches are possible on steep wind loaded aspects. Avalanche are unlikely below an elevation of 9,000 feet.
West to northwest winds are forming isolated pockets of new soft surface slab 6 to 12 inches in depth in leeward aspects along the higher ridge lines. These new slabs are forming upon cold light density snow on on sun crusts and could be triggered by humans in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. On steep northerly aspects these small surface slabs could trigger underlying persistent slabs.
New snow and winds are increasing the load on persistent slabs that exist on steep north facing terrain at the upper elevations. Some potential remains for humans to triggered pockets of slab up to two feet in depth on very steep slopes that are underlain by a base layer of faceted snow. Obstacles associated with shallow snow depths increase the consequences of injury if a person triggers one of these slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Limited moisture will continue to move into the region in a westerly flow. A couple inches of additional snowfall is possible at the higher elevation overnight and into the morning hours. Skies are expected to be partly cloudy in the afternoon. Temperatures at 9,000 will rise into the mid 20s. West winds will increase. Speeds of 15 to 25 with gusts to near 40 miles per hour are forecast along higher exposed ridges.At the upper elevation some potential will persist for humans to trigger pockets of slab up to two feet in depth in very steep north facing avalanche terrain. In addition west winds will begin to form isolated pockets of new soft slab up to eight inches in depth in some leeward avalanche starting zones. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and lower elevations and on south facing terrain at the upper elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation.
